[Ohio-talk] MicroSoft And Apple Collaborates On New Braille Display Standard

[milenacleve at roadrunner.com]

Greetings all,

Here's an announcement which appeared on the New Jersey Technology List:

Microsoft and Apple helped build new braille display standard 
https://www.engadget.com/2018/05/31/microsoft-apple-usb-if-accessibility-braille
-display-standard/ 
 
5.31.18 
 
Accessibility is an increasingly important issue when it comes to tech; 
while new technology can certainly make it easier for people with 
accessibility issues to interact with the world, it can also end up 
shutting people out. Today, the non-profit USB Implementers Forum 
(USB-IF) announced a new standard for braille displays. It was developed 
in cooperation with Microsoft, Apple and other tech industry leaders. 
 
The USB Human Interface Device (HID) standard will make it easier for 
blind or low vision users to use braille displays across operating 
systems and hardware. It will also remove the need for specialized or 
custom drivers and simplify development. 
 
"We see the opportunity that advancements in technology can create for 
people with disabilities and have a responsibility as an industry to 
develop new ways of empowering everyone to achieve more," said the 
Microsoft's Windows accessibility program manager lead, Jeff Petty. 
"Developing a HID standard for braille displays is one example of how we 
can work together, across the industry, to advance technology in a way 
that benefits society and ultimately improve the unemployment rate for 
people with disabilities." 
 
It's really nice to see traditional rivals like Apple and Microsoft 
working together on something as important as accessibility. Hopefully 
this partnership is fruitful and the two companies (along with other 
tech industry leaders) continue to work to make computers and technology 
more accessible for those with different kinds of impairments. 
 
------------------------------